Media Release: Young people to perform anti-sectarianism theatre piece at the Scottish Parliament

A GROUP of young people from Inverclyde are to perform a theatre piece about anti-sectarianism at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 24 February, as part of an innovative partnership between Scottish Youth Theatre and Inverclyde Community Development Trust.

The event is hosted by MSP, Hanzala Malik.

Says a spokesperson for Scottish Youth Theatre: “Gie’s Peace, run by Inverclyde Community Development Trust, is an anti-sectarian initiative funded by the Community Safety Unit of the Scottish Government.

“The project takes a community-led approach to working with individuals and groups throughout Inverclyde, exploring the issue of sectarianism using creative approaches.

“Scottish Youth Theatre is currently working with Gie’s Peace to explore the issue of sectarianism through drama, music and performance. The workshops aim to raise awareness, spark discussion and debate. Young people involved have been working towards a final performance embodying the issues they have been exploring through the workshops with Scottish Youth Theatre.”

In 2014, the project’s music specialist, composer Ewan Manson, won the anti-sectarianism song writing competition, ‘Dumb Ways To Think’, with the contribution of young people involved in Gie’s Peace.

Charlotte Smith (11), participant, from Greenock, said: “Scottish Youth Theatre and Gie’s Peace came to my school to deliver a workshop, and I thought it was really good, so I joined the group. It’s really fun, so I kept going and, the next thing I know, we’re going to the Scottish Parliament! I’ve learned a lot about sectarianism and I think that’s really important. I’ve also become more confident in performing.”

The performance which will also be at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, on Saturday 28 February, will be presented as a double bill with ‘Cocktail: fear, pain, power’, by multi-artform company, conFab.

Laura Mathieson, development worker at Gie’s Peace, said: “Working with Scottish Youth Theatre has been a fantastic experience for all involved and has been so much fun. Our Scottish Government grant funding has allowed us the pleasure of welcoming Scottish Youth Theatre to deliver weekly workshops here in Inverclyde since September 2013 and we hope that what we create together will help to promote respect, celebrate diversity and encourage others to think about sectarianism and discrimination.”

Scottish Youth Theatre is also involved in a project called Rail Respect, in partnership with Network Rail where drama workshops are used in schools to raise awareness in pupils about the dangers of playing on and around railways.

Scottish Youth Theatre is Scotland’s national theatre ‘for and by’ young people. The company runs a varied annual programme of quality theatre arts experiences all around Scotland, all year round. Full info on all Scottish Youth Theatre events, performances and activities are available by visiting www.scottishyouththeatre.org or by calling 0141 552 3988.

Note to editors:

Scottish Youth Theatre, Scotland’s national theatre ‘for and by’ young people, established in 1976, delivers theatre arts to young people all around Scotland, all year round.

Scottish Youth Theatre offers a varied annual programme of quality theatre arts experiences. Full info on all Scottish Youth Theatre events, performances and activities are available by visiting scottishyouththeatre.org or by calling 0141 552 3988.

Summer Festival is Scottish Youth Theatre’s flagship event (now in its 39th year) offering performance courses for young people aged 8-25. Applications for Summer Festival can be made at scottishyouththetare.org.

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Scottish Youth Theatre. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka Press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.